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PatientPlus articles are written by UK doctors and are based on research evidence, UK and European Guidelines. They are designed for health professionals to use, so you may find the language more technical than the condition leaflets.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) is a glycoprotein which is largely produced in the liver. It is is a serine protease inhibitor. Its main function is to balance the action of neutrophil-protease enzymes in the lungs - eg, neutrophil elastase produced by neutrophils in the presence of inflammation, infection or smoking.

If there is a deficiency of A1AT then elastase can break down elastin unchecked; in the lungs this can lead to the destruction of alveolar walls and emphysematous change.

A1AT deficiency is an inherited condition. In those with A1AT deficiency, the protein is still produced but the genetic defect means that the A1AT molecule configuration is changed. As a result, it cannot pass out of the liver into the bloodstream and so cannot pass to the lungs and the rest of the body. Some people with A1AT deficiency develop liver disease. This results from the congestion of A1AT in the liver cells, leading to cell destruction.[1]

Serum concentration of A1AT below 15-20% of normal is very suggestive of homozygous A1AT deficiency.[2]

Genetics

There is a mutation in the SERPINA1 gene (previously known as the Pi gene) on chromosome 14.[3] Over 100 different allelic variants of the A1AT gene have been described. M alleles are the normal variants of the gene. Other common variants are S and Z.

As a result of these different allelic variants, over 20 different variants of the A1AT molecule have been identified, all inherited as co-dominant alleles. Humans have two copies of the A1AT gene and can be homozygous or heterozygous.

Someone who is homozygous MM, will produce normal amounts of A1AT. Common genotypes for people with A1AT deficiency are SS, ZZ, MS, MZ, SZ. However, not everyone with A1AT deficiency develops clinically significant disease. The different genotypes will lead to different serum levels of A1AT. It is the serum level of A1AT that will determine the likelihood of developing clinically significant disease. Most patients with clinical disease are homozygous SS or ZZ. They have the lowest serum levels of A1AT.

A heterozygote MS or MZ will be a carrier of the disease. They produce lower than normal levels of A1AT (around 35% of normal). Evidence has shown an increased risk of liver and lung disease for people who are heterozygous for A1AT deficiency. Studies have shown that A1AT heterozygosity can be an important co-factor in the aetiology of chronic liver disease and a modifier for hepatitis C virus, end-stage liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.[4]

Epidemiology

A1AT deficiency is one of the most common inherited disorders among white people.

North-western Europeans are most likely to carry a mutant A1AT gene.[1]

It is a condition that is markedly under-diagnosed which probably relates to the fact that even some people with very low levels of the protein may not exhibit problems. Furthermore, manifestation of the disease is a mixture of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.[6] For example, a person who is heterozygous may simply have a predisposition to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) if they smoke.

Up to 5% of people diagnosed with COPD are thought to have A1AT deficiency.[5]

A1AT deficiency is an under-recognised disease which should be considered in any young patient presenting with COPD or in any patient with severe, aggressive COPD.

Lung disease

Lung disease does not usually present until people are in their 30s and 40s.

Smokers tend to develop symptoms around 10 years earlier than non-smokers.

The symptoms are similar to COPD. The most common presentation is early-onset (when aged in 30s and 40s) emphysema, with the lung bases most affected. However, diffuse or upper lobe emphysema and bronchiectasis can occur. The most common presenting symptoms include dyspneoa, wheezing and cough.[5]

Lung cancer has also been reported but it is difficult to ascertain causal association due to other environmental factors.[7]

Liver disease

Not everyone with A1AT deficiency will develop liver disease.

Neonates with A1AT deficiency may present with neonatal jaundice and hepatitis; older children may develop hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver failure due to A1AT deficiency.

Many adults with A1AT deficiency will show some signs of abnormalities in LFTs but, in some, the build-up of A1AT in the liver can lead to hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure. With cirrhosis there is a risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Investigations

Serum levels of A1AT can be measured.

Phenotyping can be carried out on those with low serum levels.

CXR and lung function testing (even in the absence of symptoms). Consider high-resolution CT scanning of the chest.

LFTs and possibly liver biopsy.

Family members of an index case should also be investigated.

Management

A1AT deficiency without symptoms

Where the diagnosis is made in the absence of symptoms there should be advice about not smoking and referral to a chest clinic for the assessment of possible occult disease.

Many advise restraint with regard to alcohol consumption. However, one study suggests that neither alcohol nor viral hepatitis predisposes to advanced liver disease; however, two factors that do are obesity and being male.[8]

Liver disease

Liver function should be monitored and liver disease treated as for liver disease and cirrhosis of other causes. See separate Cirrhosis and Liver Failure articles.

Hepatocellular carcinoma screening is also needed (more common in males than in females).

Liver failure may require transplantation.

Recombinant A1AT therapy

As the underlying problem is deficiency of circulating A1AT, a logical form of treatment is to replace it.[9]

Replacement of A1AT effectively elevates circulating levels but the cost-effectiveness and clinical effect are still not ascertained.[1][10]

A1AT augmentation therapy has been recommended by some authorities, particlarly for non-smoking or ex-smoking patients with COPD attributable to emphysema and documented A1AT deficiency who are receiving optimal pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies.[11]

A Cochrane review concluded that augmentation therapy with A1AT could not be recommended, in view of the lack of evidence of clinical benefit and the cost of treatment.[10]

In the UK, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance does not recommend the use of augmentation therapy in A1AT deficiency at present.[12]

Gene therapy

Gene therapy for A1AT deficiency is being investigated and may be a treatment option in the future.[9]

Prognosis

The prognosis is very variable. Those people who are diagnosed with A1AT deficiency after screening (so before they develop any symptoms) tend to have a better prognosis than those who are diagnosed after symptoms have already developed. A worse prognosis is associated with a more severe degree of airflow obstruction. People who smoke are more seriously affected and have a greater risk of dying from the disease.[10]

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.